NYC Megathread Archive 1 (to 13/03/08)

Pythia

PowerHouseDan wrote: »

Myself and my Gf are heading to New York in Jan, Now with only a few days i we dont want to waste or time heading to wasteful shopping malls can someone suggests the best ones to go to?

Dan

My boyf and I are going in a few days. Depends on what clothes you want, but I'd suggest the area aorund 34th St (Macy's, Manhattan Mall, American Eagle, Forever 21, GAP, etc), Soho, 5th Avenue.
A day-trip to Woodbury Commons for the discounted designer goods.

As I said, really depends on what you like. We're in our early 20's so the places I'm recommending are good for that look.

microgirl

Pythia wrote: »

My boyf and I are going in a few days. Depends on what clothes you want, but I'd suggest the area aorund 34th St (Macy's, Manhattan Mall, American Eagle, Forever 21, GAP, etc), Soho, 5th Avenue.
A day-trip to Woodbury Commons for the discounted designer goods.

As I said, really depends on what you like. We're in our early 20's so the places I'm recommending are good for that look.

Seriously Century 21 and Filene's Basement. I know everyone says that, and I was skeptical myself, but man I got some great stuff. I got a complete Vivienne Westwood outfit for under $200 - basically got $1300 worth of stuff for €246. Plenty of Miss Sixty jeans, DKNY stuff, some designers I've never heard of (Walter?) but that were *gorgeous*.

Macy's is also a really good deal though. They often have big discounts (like 30% off) and the stuff is cheaper *anyway*, but then if you get the visitor's card you get an extra 11% off too.

Stokolan

Was there at the end of November Went out to Jersey Gardens, Great place to shop tax free and with your passport you get a discount card that will give you a % off in shops when you spend X amount. I got a pair of nike runners for about €60 that would have cost me €140 here, also got Jeans from Tommy Hilfiger and GAP for about 30 - 35 dollars. They got some great stores there. Best to head out early in the morning. Only hassle we had was that there was 6 of us that went so we had to send all the stuff back to the hotel in the taxi while the rest of us got the bus

Pigletlover wrote: »

I'm flying into Newark, someone mentioned on this thread that it can be difficult to get a taxi to take you across to Manhattan and also that it can be expensive. Roughly how much should I expect to pay and should I book the taxi in advance. I know there's public transport but I'd prefer to get a taxi.

Thanks

Theres no problem with taxis, Just go straight for the taxi rank they will give you a fixed price including tolls to get into Manhattan cost us $75 including tips I think.. You will have people out side the arrivals area try to get you into there taxi but id be reluctant to take it.

Pythia

microgirl wrote: »

Seriously Century 21 and Filene's Basement. I know everyone says that, and I was skeptical myself, but man I got some great stuff. I got a complete Vivienne Westwood outfit for under $200 - basically got $1300 worth of stuff for €246. Plenty of Miss Sixty jeans, DKNY stuff, some designers I've never heard of (Walter?) but that were *gorgeous*.

I found both these places useless, as well as pretty much all the rest of them.
I probably went on bad days but I wouldn't recommend them.

storka

irishpartyboy wrote: »

Well I can tell you DON'T STAY in Hotel Pennsylvania.

This place gets strange reviews! Some reviews saying good things and alot sayin bad things.

Stayed here in August with 2 others friends for 5 nights. We had a room with 2 double beds and had loads of space. Room was very clean and beds changed and room cleaned every day. Yeah the shower leaked on the floor if you didnt put the curtain a certain way and a few marks on the walls but perfect otherwise (and I would be someone who would not stay in a dirty room!). When I booked we paid a little extra for a superior room so maybe that made the difference but it was by no means expensive as were all students!

Was really handy for everything, 10 min walk to times square, right at penn station and straight opposite Madison Sq Gardens (we went to a bball game!)

microgirl

Pythia wrote: »

I found both these places useless, as well as pretty much all the rest of them.
I probably went on bad days but I wouldn't recommend them.

Really? Wow. Well yeah, maybe you went on bad days, or maybe I'm inexperienced in what to expect C21 was quite crowded, and relatively disorganised (think TK Maxx, though maybe not as bad) but because I wasn't looking gor anything specific, that wasn't bad. Filene's Basement wasn't as crowded and thus not as disorganised, but still a similar kind of layout.

I'd say if there's particular items/styles you're looking for then yeah, those discount stores would do your head in, but if you're going with a very open mind as to what you'll get, if you get anything, then they're cool.

datk

Regarding Century 21 - it opens around 8am and you really need to be there first thing in the morning. Unless you're there by 9 or 9.30 don't bother because it gets so packed you can't be arsed looking bargain or not!

arrianalexander

anyone ever stayed in the edison.. just booked it through travelxl.com (anyone use these) and looks ok 1800 for 11 nights seems ok and is in times square.. just still a bit nervous but i guess nothing i can do now

Pythia

arrianalexander wrote: »

anyone ever stayed in the edison.. just booked it through travelxl.com (anyone use these) and looks ok 1800 for 11 nights seems ok and is in times square.. just still a bit nervous but i guess nothing i can do now

Have a look here:
http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g60763-d93437-Reviews-Edison_Hotel_Times_Square-New_York_City_New_York.html

PowerHouseDan

Where are some good computers shops? I no of JR is there any other good ones?I want to pick up a laptop over there.

RoryW

PowerHouseDan wrote: »

Where are some good computers shops? I no of JR is there any other good ones?I want to pick up a laptop over there.

CompUSA
Bestbuy
B&H (they do cameras, may also do computers)

bigfeller

RoryW wrote: »

B&H (they do cameras, may also do computers)

They do - http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/category/9581/Computer_Video.html

brettmirl

PowerHouseDan wrote: »

Where are some good computers shops? I no of JR is there any other good ones?I want to pick up a laptop over there.

Did a bit of shopping around for one in Nov. Bestbuy turned out to be the cheapest by a long shot. They have plenty of stores in NYC. You can check up their special deals on www.bestbuy.com

Ginger83

Hi, would it be safe to purchase jewellery in new york, ie-a ring?or would people advise against this.

Ms Inquisitive

Course it would, as long as you aren't buying in Chinatown!

Try Macy's or Bloomingdales, if choose a reputable brand then I'm sure the warranty will be covered this side of the Atlantic.

Tiffanys perhaps!

seamus

Ginger83 wrote: »

Hi, would it be safe to purchase jewellery in new york, ie-a ring?or would people advise against this.

Yes. The Diamond district is on 47th Street between 5th and 6th Avenues and is basically lined with jewellers. You can be fairly sure that you're getting a decent deal - the reputation of the area relies on the dealers being honest and above board and almost everyone is jewish, so there's not a whole lot to worry about, even though some of the places look a bit backstreetish.
If you're buying a diamond ring (like I did) you'll be given internationally recognised certs or appraisals and there are a number of local places that will do independent appraisals for you.

If you go to a bigger place like Cartier or Tiffany's you will pay two or three times the worth of the jewellery purely because of the name. We had a look at a gold bracelet in Tiffany's and they were asking at least $600 more than it was worth purely because the little heart on it said "Tiffany and co.". A lot of the stuff is also branded with "Tiffany and co." on it, which ruins the look of what would otherwise be nice stuff.

If you're just looking for bracelets and the like, then you can't go wrong with the bigger department stores, as mentioned. If you go to Chinatown, be aware that most of the stuff is a copy. You can't trust that anything is authentic.

hshortt

Just know what you are intending to buy with an idea of how much it should cost, then use the advice posted above.

Meathlass

Heading to NY on 16th Jan for a few days. I've been lots of times before but my it's my boyfriend's first time in America so want it to be really special for him

1. He loves Thai food so does anyone have any recommendations? We are staying in the New Yorker Ramanda opposite Penn Station but can travel anywhere in Manhattan. I suppose we're looking for somewhere a bit posh to celebrate.

2. The perenial question. Woodbury Commons or Jersey Gardens? I was shopping in Boston a month ago so it's more going to be looking for stuff for him. He's really tall 6 ft 6" so which centre is best for men's clothes. Think he wants to get a laptop too but will probably get that along 42nd st. I was leaning towards Jersey Gardens but was told it was very small. We will only spend one day shopping so would we be better going to the bigger outlet centre Woodbury Commons. Is there much space on the bus for all our purchases? Don't want to have to buy a suitcase out there to put all our bags into!!

3. Has anyone done the horse and carraige thing in Central Park? How much is it and is there a variation in routes or fares or is it pretty standardised? How long would the ride be. Don't want to freeze while trying to be romantic!

4. Broadway shows. I'm not really into musicals (unless it's Cats or Les Mis) but feel this is an essential New York experience so has anyone any personal recommendations of shows they have seen recently.

Thanks! If anyone has stayed in the hotel I've booked would be interested in knowing their experiences; it's gotten very mixed reviews on Tripadvisor. Not going to NY though to spend the trip in the hotel.

PowerHouseDan

Anyone stayed at the paramount hotel?

bigfeller

Meathlass wrote: »

Thanks! If anyone has stayed in the hotel I've booked would be interested in knowing their experiences; it's gotten very mixed reviews on Tripadvisor. Not going to NY though to spend the trip in the hotel.

Was in the New Yorker 2 years ago and heading back again in Feb. The rooms were old style but perfectly clean. They are slightly small but not tiny. Rooms were dry and warm. And for the price it's a bargain.

Meathlass

bigfeller wrote: »

Was in the New Yorker 2 years ago and heading back again in Feb. The rooms were old style but perfectly clean. They are slightly small but not tiny. Rooms were dry and warm. And for the price it's a bargain.

Thanks for that. We're going to chance our arm and ask for a renovated room so hopefully will be ok. It's 470 Euros for both of us for the 4 nights. Some of the prices I've seen people paying here are obscene but I suppose it was before Christmas time.

unklerosco

Cant really answer Q 2 as i've only been to Jersey Gardens but I liked it, I'm 6'3 n found a decent amount to wear. I found it very hard to find jeans anywhere in NYC to fit me(i like em loose n baggy). Heading to woodbury common this time(along with jersey gardens)... flying over on the 18th myself.

Q4. Go and see The Producers, it is bloody brilliant. I hate musicals, and I mean HATE, my GF is in a musical sociecty n I was forced to go n see a show on Broadway. Went to The Producers n loved it... Its hilarious, really well "produced" n the characters are brilliant...... well well worth it.

And ur right about not going to NYC to stay in a hotel, we booked a hostel this time... We've the room to ourselves(only two rooms in the hostel)... Its a place to sleep n keep stuff in, thats it.... Right on Times Square n its €30 a night, can't complain


Now my question:
Anyone drivin in NYC??? Its cheaper to rent a car n drive to woodbury common than to bus it(3 people), just wondering if anyones done it before??? Whats it like?

brettmirl

Meathlass wrote: »

1. He loves Thai food so does anyone have any recommendations? We are staying in the New Yorker Ramanda opposite Penn Station but can travel anywhere in Manhattan. I suppose we're looking for somewhere a bit posh to celebrate.

http://www.buddakannyc.com/ Buddakan is good. Describes itself as "modern Asian cuisine".

http://www.jean-georges.com/ Spice Market is meant to be very good, but not made it there yet myself.

http://www.pekingduckhousenyc.com/ and if you like duck, this is the place to head to!

Meathlass wrote: »

2. The perenial question. Woodbury Commons or Jersey Gardens? I was shopping in Boston a month ago so it's more going to be looking for stuff for him. He's really tall 6 ft 6" so which centre is best for men's clothes. Think he wants to get a laptop too but will probably get that along 42nd st. I was leaning towards Jersey Gardens but was told it was very small. We will only spend one day shopping so would we be better going to the bigger outlet centre Woodbury Commons. Is there much space on the bus for all our purchases? Don't want to have to buy a suitcase out there to put all our bags into!!

Not been to either, but for a laptop, I would suggest Best Buy. They have a few stores around Manhattan. Good for cameras, computer games, etc too.

Meathlass wrote: »

3. Has anyone done the horse and carraige thing in Central Park? How much is it and is there a variation in routes or fares or is it pretty standardised? How long would the ride be. Don't want to freeze while trying to be romantic!

It will be freezing. There are loads of them hanging around the entrances to Central Park. They usually have a card showing the sights/route they will take in. Am sure you can haggle.

Meathlass wrote: »

4. Broadway shows. I'm not really into musicals (unless it's Cats or Les Mis) but feel this is an essential New York experience so has anyone any personal recommendations of shows they have seen recently.

I went to see Avenue Q and really enjoyed it. Saw the Lion King two years ago. That was good too. Avoid Wintuk at Madison Square Gardens. That sucks!

unklerosco

mick_irl wrote: »

It will be freezing.

U aint wrong there... at the mo its -8c, with wind chill it feels like -17. :p

Meathlass

[QUOTE=mick_irl;54775693
I went to see Avenue Q and really enjoyed it. Saw the Lion King two years ago. That was good too. Avoid Wintuk at Madison Square Gardens. That sucks![/QUOTE]

Thanks for all your tips, especially the restaurant reservations. They look great. Unfortunately The Producers is finished its run

fugee

Hi,
Heading to New York in the summer with wife and kid. We will be visiting woodbury common once, maybe twice.

Just wondering if it is worth renting a car. We got the bus before and it was fine. But like driving and we could make our own day of it if we rented a car. Also spend another day out of the city.

Anyone done this? Or am I mad even comtemplating it?

keefg

I did the same thing a couple of years back, just hired a car to drive up to WC for some shopping then to visit friends in Long Island.

It was fine, there are loads of hire co's in Manhattan, I think it is a much beeter option than the bus you can go at your own pace and stop off where you like as well - I would suggest that you pick up your car on a Sat & drop it back on a Sun (if you plan on keeping it overnight) or if you just want it for a day for shopping at WC the do it on a Sunday.

Traffic on the island is much quieter at the weekend....if you try to hire midweek and navigate the Manhattan traffic then you definately deserve to be taken away by the men in white coats while your family enjoy the rest of their holiday .

BTW....it might be worth spending the extra 10 bucks per day for a satnav just get them to program in the location of their yard as "Home" and you should be fine.

Also....Make sure you fill up the car before you co back into Manhattan - petrol stations are thin on the ground (or just prepay at the hire co).

fugee

Thanks for the advice. You probably won;t belive this but we arrive Sunday evening and leave Friday evening.

So it will be midweek driving if anything.

Deffo get the sat nav. Does it work in Manhattan with the tall buildings?

keefg

You're welcome.

Shame about the dates you will be travelling but if anything it will be an adventure your kids can tell their friends when the get back to school (The day my Daddy went mad in New York ).

I have never used satnav in NYC but I have used it in other large US cities so I am sure it will be fine. Just ask the hire co to give you a map of the city to be safe.

a few tips.....

:-Make sure you take out the comp insurance from the hire co!

:-Watch out for yellow cabs - they are ruthless.

:-Watch out for pedestrians - they are worse than the cabs.

:-Remember there are no such things as fast or slow lanes, just lanes and cars will overtake you on both sides.

I am sure you will be fine - have fun.

keefg

Mr.S wrote: »

:eek: driving on the island midweek will just wreck any buzz. its litterally bumper to bumper the whole day.

if your set on driving take a bus/taxi out of the island and go from there, driving in the city will be just a huge pain

This is a great tip OP.

Or just leave the city very early in the morning and stay out until well after rush hour (at least 7-8pm)